How to Adapt a Camp Stove to a Propane Tank

Converting a camp stove, from liquid fuel or disposable propane bottles, to run off a bulk propane tank will save both time and money in the long run. While not burning as hot as liquid gas, propane costs less per gallon and is more convenient than continually refilling tanks with messy liquid. Once a camp stove has been adapted to a bulk propane tank, you will often be able to cook enough meals for an entire camping trip from a single tank of gas.

Things You'll Need

  • Propane conversion adapter
  • Wrenches
  • Yellow gas Teflon tape
  • Propane bulk tank adapter
  • Propane gas regulator
  • Bulk propane tank
  • Supply hose
  • Cloth
  • 1 tsp. dish soap
  • 1 cup water
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the fuel tank and supply tube from the front of a liquid fuel stove. For most stoves the tank will lift off the stove without tools; some models may require the tank be removed with a wrench or screwdriver. For stoves that are set up to operate on disposable propane bottles, unscrew the gas supply hose from the stove with your hand.

    • 2

      Insert the tube of a propane conversion adapter, listed for use with your make and model of liquid fuel stove, into the port the where the liquid fuel tank tube was removed. Tighten the conversions adapter in place with a wrench.

    • 3

      Wrap a piece of yellow gas Teflon tape around the threads of a propane bulk tank adapter approved for your make and model of camp stove. Wrap the tape in the direction of the threads, starting at the bottom of the fitting and working towards the top. Work the tape down into the threads of the fitting with your fingers. For liquid fuel stoves, screw the bulk tank adapter into the propane conversion adapter. For disposable propane bottle stoves, screw the bulk tank adapter to the stove’s fuel inlet port. Tighten the bulk tank adapter in place with a wrench.

    • 4

      Wrap both ends of a propane gas regulator with Teflon tape. Screw the spud end of the regulator into the neck of a bulk propane tank with your fingers. Screw the opposite end of the regulator into a bulk tank supply hose until the fitting is hand-tight.

    • 5

      Apply Teflon tape to the threads of the bulk tank adapter attached to the stove. Screw the lose end of the supply hose to the bulk tank adapter. Tighten all flat-sided connections, such as the regulator and adapter fittings, with a properly fitting wrench. Wrap a cloth around rounded hose fitting and tighten the hose fittings firmly with your hands.

    • 6

      Mix 1 tsp. dish soap in 1 cup water. Turn off the burner knobs on the stove and turn on the gas tank supply valve. Apply the dish soap and water solution to all connections. Air bubbles indicate leaking gas; retighten the fitting and retest with solution.